The abyss yawned before them, its depths cloaked in impenetrable shadow. The Rift’s light had dimmed, yet the oppressive presence lingered, like the ghost of something too vast to fully comprehend.
Eryndor stepped back from the crumbling archway, her legs shaky beneath her. The power of the runes had subsided, leaving behind an emptiness that gnawed at her edges. She pressed a hand to her chest, as if to still the storm inside.
Kaelen stood beside her, his twin blades lowered but still gripped tightly. “Whatever that thing was, it doesn’t feel dead,” he muttered, glancing at the abyss. “Just… waiting.”
Seris limped closer, leaning on his sword for support. His armor was dented, his shield cracked, but his gaze was steady. “The voice said this was the beginning. Whatever is down there, w
